SPRINGFIELD, Va. – Bethany lost a tight 67-63 contest to Morris Catholic (N.J.), eighth-ranked in the ESPN national poll, Monday afternoon (Jan. 15) at the MLK Classic at The St. James.

The Lady Bronchos (9-4) and Morris Catholic (12-0) each had the lead at times in the first half. The Crusaders led at halftime, 35-33, and stretched the lead to 51-43 at the end of the third quarter.

Bethany closed the gap in the final period behind 13 points from juniors Kayten Donley and Keziah Lofton but came up short.

“We defended better this game,” Bethany coach Eric Sailer via text. “Kayten Donley had a huge game to go along with Keziah and Zya!!!”

Lofton finished with a game-high 24 points while Donley added 21 points with three treys. Senior Zya Vann added 14 points and two 3-pointers.

“I was proud of how we competed!!!” Sailer said. “Going against teams that are ranked top 15 nationally was a great experience for our team.”

“This will made us better.”

All four of Bethany’s losses have been in tournament/festival play, to Class 6A No. 1 Edmond North, Arkansas Class 6A power Fort Smith-Northside and the two national powers during the MLK Classic.

Morris Catholic relied on its twin backcourt of Mya Pauldo and Mia Pauldo. Mya had 23 points, nine assists and five steals. Mia added 22 points, five assists and five rebounds.

On Friday and Sunday, the team was able to see many of the sites and landmarks of the nation’s capital.

“It was a great experience!!!” Sailer said. “The girls were able to see and do things they have never done before!!”

UP NEXT: Bethany meets Class 6A’s Enid (6-7) Thursday (Jan. 18) in the first round of the Heart of Oklahoma Tournament in Purcell. Tip-off is at 1 p.m.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	F
Bethany	19	14	15	15	63
Morris Catholic (N.J.)	23	12	16	16	67